Chicome: An open-source microtube autosampler add-on module to flow cytometers

In time-series flow cytometry experiments—such as monitoring gene expression dynamics, microbial growth phases, synthetic genetic circuit responses, or cell viability over time—manual sample delivery is labor-intensive, error-prone, and difficult to sustain over multi-hour incubations. This limitation, together with the high cost of closed commercial microplate loaders, severely constrains automated time-series measurements at single-cell resolution. 

Here, we present Chicome, an open-source, low-cost, seven-Eppendorf-tube rotary autosampler module adaptable to a range of commercial cytometer designs. The platform couples a 3D-printed carousel to a nema stepper motor actuated by a dedicated driver, an integrated Peltier thermal incubation–sterilization module with a digital temperature sensor, and an RGB LED status indicator strip. System operation is controlled via a Python Plotly Dash web interface utilizing OSC UDP networking for Raspberry Pi control and AutoHotkey for automated cytometer acquisition triggering. This dedicated control dashboard integrates labelling and sample-loading graphics, sub-degree angle calibration, automated cleaning and homing routines, closed-loop temperature regulation, and custom interval experiment scheduling (M-minute round interval, N-second inter-tube dwell). Experimental validation confirms sub-millimeter indexing repeatability and 12-hour continuous single-cell kinetic tracking validation experiments.

Chicome directly relates to GOSH vision by removing financial and technical barriers to automated flow cytometry. By replacing expensive proprietary loaders with a sub-$100, CERN-OHL-licensed hardware modification, Chicome enables equitable access to high-resolution time-series single-cell analysis for resource-constrained laboratories, educational institutions, and researchers embracing DIY/DIWO methodologies and ethos worldwide.